A survey commissioned by The Lullaby Trust charity has found that more than half of parents are still unaware of how to put their baby safely to bed.
The charity tries to prevent sudden infant death which is known as sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) and supports parents who have lost a baby.
Although many parents are aware of the risk of SIDS, the survey found that 500 parents with children aged naught-two years, are not aware of the basic steps to reduce SIDS: the baby needs to sleep on its back for every sleep.
There has been a lot of research done into this syndrome, but the professions still do not know what causes the unexpected and sudden death in young babies.
Director of services at the Lullaby Charity, Jay Ward, said: “We won’t get one answer to why babies suddenly die. It seems to be loads of different factors.”
Ms Ward explained babies are very vulnerable when young and environmental factors do play part, but those can be easily prevented.
“The time parents have with professionals is much less than it used to be. Professionals do know the steps, but now parents get advice from loads of different places: it is family and friends.
“There is so much information that parents receive when they have a baby, that they don’t know what is right and what is wrong,” said Ms Ward.
The Lullaby charity is running a Safer Sleep Week campaign this week, which will aim to give the fundamental steps on how to keep the baby safe at night.
Ms Ward also pointed the baby needs to sleep in a clear cot free of pillows, toys and on a waterproof mattresses.
To hear the full interview with Jay Ward click on the play button below.
